Promote Health & Wellness

So far in the first four parts of this series on the health effects of consuming empty calories in drinks, we’ve discussed how obesity and empty calories relates, as well as how to determine your basal metabolic rate (BMR). In this final installment, I’d like to discuss the quantities of empty calories and other “bad stuff” that can be found in some of the most popular drinks today.

Number of Empty Calories Found in Some of the Most Common Drinks in the U.S.

20 oz. bottle of pop (most varieties)

• Approximately 200-250 calories depending upon the type.
• About 65 grams of sugar
• Fact: It would take over 40 minutes of moderate walking to burn all of the calories in one bottle of pop.

(source: calorie-counter.net)

Energy Drinks (not diet)

• 16 oz. Monster: 200 calories
• 8.3 oz. can of Red Bull: 110 calories
• 16 oz. can of Amp: 220 calories
• 16 oz. Full Throttle: 220 calories

(source: caloriecount.about.com)

Coffee with…

• A tablespoon of whipping cream: adds 50 calories
• A tablespoon of sugar: adds 50 calories
• A tablespoon of half and half cream: 20 calories

The calories can really add up after 3-4 cups of coffee with any of the additives above.
Fact: Black coffee only has about 5 calories per cup.
(source: MayoClinic.com)

Drinks containing alcohol

• Most light beers (12 oz. can): 100 calories
• Most non-light beers (12 oz. can): 150 calories
• The average 8 oz. mixed drink: 300 calories

–Margaritas are one of the worst: 550 calories

• Shot of liquor (most varieties): 100 calories

Alcohol is especially bad for weight loss. After a couple of drinks, a small portion of the alcohol is converted into fat.Your liver then converts most of the alcohol into acetate. The acetate is then released into your bloodstream, and replaces fat as a source of fuel. So, instead of your body burning fat for energy, it burns the acetate and the fat stays in your body. Plus, alcohol consumption increases appetite, so you tend to eat more calories when drinking. This is basically what leads to a “beer belly”
(source: thefactsaboutfitness.com)

Healthier Drink Alternatives

• Choose water whenever possible.
• Drink diet pop instead of regular.
• 100% fruit juice (no added sugar) is better than sugar-filled juices, although it’s still better to eat fresh fruit.
• When drinking regular pop, choose the smallest size possible.
• Make your own smoothies with 100% fresh fruit.
• Use low-calorie sweeteners/creamers in your coffee.